Saturday was a time for reminiscing and reflection at Aubrey’s first Veterans Day program.
The event, held in Veterans Memorial Park, just made sense for the city, Aubrey’s senior events coordinator Rodney Cagle said.
“We needed to do something for our community, so they didn’t have to travel,” Cagle said. “And several of them I’ve talked to … were just glad that there was something here at home for them to go to, which was the goal.”
Surrounding cities had activities to honor the vets on the same weekend with galas, 5Ks and other events.
With this being the first Veterans Day weekend event at the park, Cagle was proud of the turnout and thankful for the people who came to support it.
He hopes to expand it in the years to come.
The program started with a speech from Aubrey Mayor Chris Rich and comments by Cagle.
Then followed by a live rendition of the national anthem and Presentation of Colors by JROTC at Braswell High School.
The music continued throughout the day, with patriotic songs sung by Bill Allen and his granddaughter, Gracie Snavely.
Town members showed a little friendly competition with a cornhole tournament and a race to see who could finish eating their MRE (Meal, ready-to-eat) the fastest.
Veterans from different branches gather together to share stories and laughter.
For Roger Rich, a Navy veteran who served for 12 years back in the early ’70s, being at this event brought back fond memories.
“I enjoyed my time,” he said.
Roger and his wife, Frances Rich, recalled the family’s extensive military history.
“We’re a Navy family, so … his dad was in the Navy; his brother was Navy, … our son’s Navy, cousins, and uncles—the whole family,” Frances said.
Looking around the park, seeing all the Veterans reminded Roger of what connects them all: brotherhood.
“The guys who served, at different times, but we all served,” Roger said.
As some bond through brotherhood, others bond through shared stories passed on from loved ones in bittersweet memories.
Bill Donson, an attendee, showed up not as a veteran himself but as a supporter for his family and friends.
“My granddaughter’s in the Army,” he said. “… My dad was in the South Pacific in World War II, and my brother was in the Navy. I have an appreciation for all veterans.”
The meaning of Veterans Day varies from person to person, but many of the people who showed up Saturday carried the same message of hope and unity as Donson: “I wish all our veterans to come home safely.”
